Energy Specialist

Willdan is seeking a part-time Grocery Energy Specialist to support outreach for our utility incentive programs in the southern California region. The energy specialist will work in partnership with existing program staff including Program managers, Engineers, and Account Managers to drive and improve adoption of energy efficiency measures that are eligible for incentives through Willdan’s programs. This is a part-time, temporary, four month assignment with potential for extension based on program needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Core Outreach & Relationship Duties
  • Build and maintain relationships with grocery store decision-makers (store managers, facilities teams, corporate energy managers) across Southern California.
  • Conduct outreach (calls, emails, site visits) to increase awareness of energy-savings measures, rebates, and sustainability practices.
  • Promote utility incentive programs for energy efficiency upgrades in grocery stores.
  • Leverage existing industry relationships to increase program participation among major grocery chains.
  • Act as the primary point of contact between grocery clients and internal program teams.
• Technical & Advisory Support
  • Identify energy efficiency opportunities in refrigeration systems within grocery stores.
  • Provide high-level guidance on eligible upgrades (e.g., refrigerated case doors, anti-sweat heater controls, etc.
  • Translate technical program requirements into practical recommendations for store operators.
  • Work with Account Mangers and Engineers to scope potential projects and ensure they meet incentive program criteria.
• Program Coordination
  • Collaborate with Program Managers, Engineers, and Account Managers to move projects from outreach to completion.
  • Assist clients with understanding application processes, eligibility, and documentation requirements.
  • Track outreach efforts, project pipelines, and participation metrics.
  • Provide feedback to internal teams on barriers to adoption and customer needs.
• Field & Market Intelligence
  • Conduct site visits to assess existing equipment and identify upgrade opportunities.
  • Stay informed on trends in grocery refrigeration, energy efficiency technologies, and utility incentives.
  • Gather insights on competitor programs or customer objections to improve outreach strategies.
• Reporting & Administrative Tasks
  • Maintain accurate records in CRM or program tracking systems.
  • Prepare reports on outreach activities, conversion rates, and energy savings potential.
  • Support program audits or verification efforts as needed.

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years working in or with grocery stores, specifically with strong knowledge of their refrigeration systems.
• Strong knowledge of (and ideally established relationships with) major grocery chains throughout the southern California region.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Willdan Energy Solutions participates in E-Verify.